Running is a great way to stay in shape and improve overall health. However, for those who suffer from bunions, finding the right running shoes for bunions can be a challenge.
If you have bunions, you know that finding a shoe that fits comfortably can be a real challenge.
Bunions affect millions of people around the world. A bunion is a bony protrusion found at the base of the big toe. They can be painful when running and walking.
Discomfort when running is a common complaint from people with bunions. Finding a shoe that fits your foot right and can accommodate your bunions may be the key to reducing bunion-related pain.
Finding the best running shoes for bunions is a challenge, no doubt. But it is key when it comes to maintaining good foot health and reducing the chances of additional complications.
Let’s talk about what to look for when shopping for the best running shoes for bunions.
The 5 Best Running Shoes For Bunions
Wide Toe Box
When searching for running shoes that are best for bunions, you will want to consider how much room your feet have. Shoes with a wide-toe box are an ideal option.
This will provide enough room for the bunion to move freely without feeling cramped or constricted. It is smart to avoid shoes that have a pointed or narrow toe box.
Shoes that have a narrow fit can put pressure on the bunion and exacerbate the pain and discomfort.
Low Heel
One thing you may have not considered when shopping for the best running shoes for bunions is the heel height. This is an important factor to consider.
Try opting for shoes with a low heel, this will provide more stability and reduce the pressure on the bunion. There are several zero-drop running shoe options. If you see the word zero drop, this means low heel.
Good Arch Support
Arch support can be a key factor in decreasing bunion-related foot pain.
Running shoes that have quality arch support are great for helping to alleviate pressure on the bunion.
Good arch support is also helpful because it helps to distribute weight more evenly across the foot which reduces pressure points and is a key feature in the best running shoes for bunions.
If you have found a running shoe that you really like but do not feel has enough arch support, orthotic inserts can be used to provide additional support. They are placed inside the shoe and provide extra cushioning and support for the bunion.
Orthotic inserts can also be customized to fit the shape of the foot, which can provide a more comfortable fit and reduce pain and discomfort.
The Fit
It is essential to find shoes that provide a comfortable, snug fit when you are on the hunt for the best running shoes for bunions.
Try to avoid running shoes that are stiff or inflexible. Shoes like these can be difficult for someone with bunions to run in and may cause pain and discomfort.
Whichever running shoes you choose should be made of soft, flexible materials because this allows them to mold the shape of your foot. The best running shoes for bunions are ones that are made from flexible materials, so they can better accommodate your bunion needs.
There are several running shoes on the market that are specifically designed to provide added comfort and support for those with bunions.
Let’s get into the 5 best running shoes for bunions…
#5 ASICS Gel-Kayano 25
– Gel cushioning system and breathable mesh upper
– Great for people who overpronate
This ASICS Kayano 25s feature a spacious toe box that allows for plenty of room for bunions.
They also have a gel cushioning system that provides added support and reduces the impact on the feet and, as a result, pressure on your bunions.
Two aspects that make these shoes one of the best running shoes for bunions are the stability and support they offer.
The ASICS’ Gel cushioning technology in the heel and forefoot provides a great amount of shock absorption and extra comfort for the bunion area.
The shoe also has a breathable mesh upper and a durable outsole for traction.
These running shoes for bunions have great stability features. Its Duomax support system can help control overpronation, which is a common issue for people with bunions.
Overall, these shoes are a great option for runners with bunions and are worth giving a try!
#4 Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21
– Wide toe box for decreased bunion pressure and increased balance
– A perfect shoe for people with a unique foot shape
Bunions can be a pain! Literally. Luckily shoes like the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21s exist.
These shoes have a wide toe box which allows for plenty of room for your toes to spread out.
Having space for your toes to spread out reduces the pressure on bunions. This is also a great feature for improving balance!
The adjustable fit of these Brooks shoes allows you to customize them to the unique shape of your foot and to cater to your bunion needs.
The adjustability is great because this allows your feet to be more comfortable and secure. Two very important shoe qualities for runners.
These are some of the best running shoes for bunions because they feature a supportive midsole and a comfortable footbed. Both of these features reduce the amount of pressure that is put on bunions, which means less discomfort when running, wahoo!
If you have bunions and want a shoe that is comfortable and supportive, and fast of course, the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21 is a great running shoe for you.
#3 New Balance 928v3
– Flexible leather upper and motion control
– Quality option for casual runners and everyday walkers
Believe it or not, the New Balance 928v3 shoes were specifically designed with people with bunions in mind.
They are meant to provide support and comfort around the bunion area so that you can worry about your feet less and enjoy your run more.
Complete with a wide toe box and a soft, cushioned sole, they do a quality job at alleviating pressure on the bunion areas.
One of the coolest features of these running shoes for bunions is the motion control feature. This can help to stabilize the foot and reduce the risk of further bunion formation or aggravation, which is something runners with bunions often worry about.
These shoes also have a unique support system to help reduce the risk of overpronation and ABZORB technology which provides extra cushioning and helps to absorb impact, reducing bunion stress.
The leather upper of this shoe is ideal for bunion comfort because of its ability to adapt to your foot shape. It is also breathable and durable.
The New Balance 928v3 shoes have great slip-resistant traction and are available in multiple widths.
If you have bunions and a love for running fast, you have to try these shoes.
#2 HOKA ONE ONE Bondi 7
– Extra cushion and a wide platform
– A must for people with bunions logging lots of miles
The HOKA ONE ONE Bondi 7 shoes are meant to provide comfort and support for people with bunions and have many features that make them some of the best running shoes for people with bunions.
This shoe features a spacious toe box and a cushioned footbed that helps to reduce pressure on the bunion area.
It also has a wide platform that provides added stability and support and the ability for your toes to spread out.
Thanks to the Full-EVA midsole, these shoes will give you and your bunions all the support and comfort you need, ensuring that you will dodge the pain those bunions often cause you.
Better yet, the early-stage Meta-Rocker is meant to guide your foot through the natural gait cycle, which will keep you from doing anything funky and therefore reduce the stress on your bunions.
Even with all the fancy comfort features, this shoe still has great traction and durability. It is even available in multiple widths to suit the needs of all feet and bunions.
With so many features tailored with bunions, the HOKA ONE ONE Bondi 7 shoes are a very suitable option for people with them.
#1 Saucony Guide 15
– Super absorbent midsole, breathable and flexible fabric
– An ideal match for fast road runners with bunions
Another shoe equipped with a wide toe box for your bunion comfort needs, the Saucony Guide 15 allows more than ample space for your toes to be free and spread out, which reduces the pressure on your bunions.
This is a very well-rounded shoe with a combination of cushioning and stability, your foot is in for a comfortable ride.
The midsole of this shoe is meant to absorb shock which is ideal for a foot with a bunion.
These running shoes for bunions have a medial post which is designed to provide stability and support for the foot. People with bunions are prone to overpronation and this feature helps to correct it
A flexible upper is an absolute must for runners with bunions. Luckily, the upper of the shoe is made of a breathable and flexible fabric. This allows the foot to move comfortably and reduces unwanted pressure on bunions.
Many people with bunions find that the Saucony Guide 15 is a great option for them because of the variety of features that cater to the needs of bunions. Give them a try!
Best Running Shoes For Bunions – The Takeaway
The 5 shoes mentioned above are all great options for runners with bunions. If you’re suffering from bunions, it’s worth trying out one of these shoes to see if it makes a difference in your running experience.
You should note that which shoes are the best running shoes for bunions will vary from person to person. Consider consulting with a podiatrist or a sports medicine specialist to determine the best shoe for your individual needs.
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Hi this is the article I’ve been hoping to find. Most just say what to look for in a shoe but with so many shoes out there it’s hard to narrow them down. This gives me something I can get started right away trying on. I had bunion surgery on both feet Jan 31/23 and both failed so I still have big ugly bunions. Another surgeon wants to do fusion on both big toes and maybe that’ll require a whole other shoe but right now I’m desperate for a comfortable running shoe that will help relieve some of my pain for the time being. I won’t have a consult with the surgeon for about 5 months. I’m a female and have been trying on mens shoes because they are wider. My feet at the widest part are 4 1/4 inches wide. I’ve tried mens 2E and the bunions still poke into the mesh on the uppers. I even tried mens Hoka 4E and they pushed into the material. Is that ok. I don’t think I can find a shoe that the bunions won’t push into the sides of the uppers. I loved the Hoka shoes but the instep sticks up into my foot. Are there any Hoka shoes that won’t do that. I have a collapsing arch and plantar fibromas. I really liked the cushioning in the New Balance more V4’s but they were mens 2 E and the bunions were pushing the material out. If that is ok I won’t have a problem finding a shoe so if you could give me any guidance on this it would be greatly appreciated. The only help shoe wise that I got from the surgeon that operated was to buy wide shoes and it didn’t matter what kind as long as they were wide. That hasn’t proved helpful. I’m not a runner but I need to get walking and exercising properly again. I have a friend that is a cancer survivor and is doing 5 k runs. I would love to work my way up and get out there with her but first need shoes. Thank you for this awesome article.
Hi Gail, sorry to hear you have bunions and especially sorry after suffering through surgery you are no better. I wish you the best. I have been considering bunion surgery for a few years. I know only a few people who have had surgery and none of them failed. Frankly, I never gave much thought to the possibility surgery could fail as my doctors never mention that possibility. I am really struggling and close to scheduling surgery. I hope you won’t mind sharing at least a bit more. Do you know which technique was used on you. Apparently you still have confidence in your surgeon, so I am anxious to know which technique I should perhaps avoid. Any response will be greatly appreciated.